Shocking blow’ for Warriors, Blues as worst fears emerge for key enforcer

The Warriors and the Blues have been handed a huge blow after Origin star Mitch Barnett limped off with a suspected ACL injury against the Rabbitohs.

In the 22nd minute, Barnett fell awkwardly after some friendly fire saw him collide with Chanel Harris-Tavita while trying to tackle Souths star Jayden Sullivan.

Veteran rugby league reporter Phil Rothfield revealed on Monday morning the Warriors are fearing the worst.

“I spoke to (Warriors chief executive) Cameron George last night… he is almost convinced it is an ACL and it’s a shocking blow not just for NSW but for the Warriors,” he said on the Big Sports Breakfast.

“He is such a tough player. Payne Haas got all the wraps out of Origin I but I thought Barnett wasn’t that far behind him.

“… You don’t like seeing ACLs for any player and it’s a really bad blow for the Warriors and their premiership hopes.”

Rothfield said Barnett being ruled out of Origin II would likely mean Stefano Utoikamanu coming in to the Blues’ 17, with Terrell May and Keaon Koloamatangi in the frame for the extended NSW squad.

Barnett was visibly frustrated when he was forced to leave the field, screaming out “F***”.

Worst fears of a serious knee injury have been confirmed for inspirational One New Zealand Warriors co-captain Mitchell Barnett.

Scans today revealed he suffered a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture in his right knee in yesterday’s round 13 NRL clash against the Rabbitohs in Sydney.

The injury happened when Barnett – playing his 49th game for the club – was involved in a tackle with teammate Chanel Harris-Tavita on South Sydney’s Jayden Sullivan in the 21st minute of the contest.